Method and apparatus for the maintenance and operation of jack pumping systems



Oct. 23, 1934. T, METHOD AND APPAR m m 1D .m H E 5 a m D .h T

E. HINDMAN 1,978,309 ATUS FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF JACK PUMPING SYSTEMS Filed May 5, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l BY Z I M ATTORNEYS.

0d. 1934- T. E HINDMAN METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF JACK PUMPING SYSTEMS Filed May 5, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR Patented Oct. 23, 1934 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MAIN- TENANCE AND OPERATION OF JACK PUMPING SYSTEMS Thomas Elton Hindman, Hamilton, Kans., assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville, kla., a corporation of Delaware Application May 5, 1933, Serial No. 669,597 Claims. (Cl. 74-586) The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the maintenance and operation of jack pumping systems, or those systems where a number of wells are operated from a central f power plant by transmission or pull lines between the source of power and the pump plungers.

While such wells are never located so remote from the source of power that elongation of the pull lines under tension will neutralize most of the motion, outlying wells are occasionally a quarter of a mile or more from the power station. As a result of changes in surface temperature, the linear measurement of the transmission lines between the power and the pump plungers changes due particularly to the elongation and contraction of the pull lines or surface rods during the rise and fall of surface temperature.

This change in the linear dimension of the transmission line causes the plunger of the pump operated thereby, to travel in different zones of contact with the working barrel dependent upon the surface temperature. For instance, assuming that the surface temperature is,60 F., and the pump plunger has a certain zone of contact during operationywith the working barrel, if the temperature increases so that the surface rods of the transmission line are elongated, the pump plunger will operate in a different zoneof contact in the working barrel,one that approaches the standing valve of a conventional oil well pump.

on the contrary, if the temperature falls, the surface rods of the transmission line will contract, and the pump plunger will operate in a different zone of contact in the working barrel,-one by way of example, that is more remote from the standing valve.

Portions of the interior of the working barrel or liner in which the pump plunger operates become coated with foreign or undesirable matter, 40 such as sand, shale, 0r gypsum and by these changes in the zone of contact of the pump plunger with the working barrel, due to changes in surface temperature, the pump plunger is caused to ride or contact for a considerable period of time, with this foreign or undesirable coating, which injures the plunger, say for instance the cups of an ordinary oil well pump plunger, subjects the transmission line to strain and requires more power than contemplated when laying out the jack pumping plant. When it is kept in mind that as many as forty wells may be operated from one central power, the loss due to a rapid change in surface temperature may be considerable.

The principal objects of the present invention.

are, to provide a. method for the maintenance of such system which will tend to materially reduce the cost of repairs, replacement and operating expenses and to provide apparatus whereby the object in view may be accomplished automati- G0 cally. These objects are accomplished mainly by confining the pump plunger to substantially the same zone of contact with its working barrel, during operation, regardless of changes in surface temperature, and hence not subject the plunger to any material degree, to the abrasive or destructive action or influence of those undesirable substances which have adhered to or formed a coating on the interior of the working barrel.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification,

and in which drawings:-

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view, partly in vertical section and partly in elevation, showing the relation in which apparatus constructed according to the present invention may be inserted in the pull line for confining the pump plunger to substantially the same zone of contact with its working barrel, during operation, regardless of changes in surface temperature.

Figure 2 is a detail view partly in plan and partly inhorizontal section of a contractible and extensible unit together with a portion of means foroperating' same, which'may be inserted in an ordinary pull line.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view in detail on the line 3-3 of Figure 1. 90

Figure 4 is a detail view in elevation of a portion of the unit shown in Figure 2. t

Figure 5 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section along the pull line and showing the apparatus whereby the objects of the present invention may be accomplished.

Figure 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a similar view but showing a dif ferent position of the pull line.

In the drawings, wherein similar characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the views, and where the invention is shown in connection with an ordinary oil Well pump 105 and power, A is the well; B the pump, which in the example shown comprises a casing head C, well tubing or fluid string D, working barrel E, standing valve F, pump plunger G and sucker rods. H; J'the power; and K the transmission 1 c line between the power J and the pump plunger G, and which in the example shown comprises ajack L operatively connected to the pump B and pull, line M operatively connected between the power J and the jack L, in any of the many well known ways.

The sucker rods of the well are, to no material extent influenced by temperature changes at the surface, but the portion of the transmission line between the power J and the jack L usually consists mainly of steel rods or cables, or a combination of rods and cables which are so influenced thereby that they increase in length or are elongated by a rise in temperature, and decrease in length, or are contracted by a decrease in temperature. Suitable apparatus constructed according to the present invention is shown at N and has for its purpose to serve as a portion of the pull line M, and capable of being elongated to compensate for the natural contraction of the line during a decline in surface temperature and to contract to compensate for the natural elongation of the surface line due to an increase in surface temperature.

The apparatus N in the example shown comprises a support 8, a contractible and extensible unit 9 carried by the support, reciprocable longitudinally in the path of travel of the pull line M, and operatively connected to the usual sections 10 and 11 of pull line M as by clamps 12, and means 13 and 14 to contract and extend the unit so as to compensate for the expansion and contraction, respectively, of the other portions of the pull line.

The support 8, in the example shown, comprises two spaced apart hold-up posts 15 and 16, each provided with a greased slot 17 through which the sections 10 and 11 of the pull line M extend; a rod or bar 18 joinlng the upper ends of the hold-up posts 15 and 16, this rod or bar extending longitudinally of the path of 'movement of the pull line; and hangers 19 and 20 pendently supported by and movable longitudinally on the bar or rod 18.

In the example shown, each hanger comprises a bearing 21 for a shaft 22, an arm 23 extending upwardly and diagonally from bearing 21, a pair of grooved rollers 2d carried by arm 23 and embracing the bar or rod 18 as shown in Figure 3; and an angular bracket 25 having an opening 26 in its one arm 27 for shaft 22, and an opening 28 in its arm 29 for a purpose to be subsequently set forth. 7

A typical example of a contractible and extensible unit 9, carried by the support 8 and oper= atively connected to the sections 10 and 11 of the pull line M is shown more in detail in Figures 2, 5, 6 and 7 and preferably comprisesa link 30 provided with nuts 31 and 32 at opposite ends, the nut 31 being screwed with a right hand thread, and the other with a left hand thread; and correspondingly screw threaded stems 33 and 34, for the nuts 31 and 32, respectively, whereby the link 39 acts as a turnbuckle. The stems 33 and 34 may be provided with eyes 36 for connection with the clamps 12, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 and whereby they are connected to the sections 10 and 11, respectively, of the pull line. Looking at Figure 3, if the link 30 is rotated clockwise the unit 9 will be contracted, the stems 33 and 34 being fed toward each other; if the link 30 is rotated counter-clockwise, the unit 9 aerasoa example of means for automatically operating the unit 9. Each of these means comprises a pawl 40; a ratchet wheel 41, and motion transmitting means 42 between the ratchet wheel 11 and the link 30. The pawls ail are normally rigid. In the example shown, they are carried by the hold-up posts 15 and 16, as by brackets 43. The brackets may be clamped to their respective posts as by bands 4A drawn into embracing relation with the posts as. by nuts 45 and bolts 46. It is preferred to provide each bracket 43 with an adjustable section 47 to which the pawl 40 is seecured, the section 4i? having a slot 48 thru which the shanks 49 of bolts 50 extend, nuts 51 serving as clamping means for holding the adjustable section 47 in the desired position, The motion transmitting means 42, in the example shown, includes shaft 22 on the end of which, opposite to ratchet wheel 41 is provided a bevel gear 52 which meshes with .a bevel gear 53 in right angular relation thereto, the bevel gear 53 being formed integral with, or if made separate, secured to link 30.

The unit 9 is supported below the rod or bar 18 by the hangers 19, the stems 33 and 34 extending freely through the openings 28 of brackets 25. In this way the ratchet wheels 41 are guided in the proper paths for cooperation with the pawls 40 17 when the change in temperature is such as to require operation of the unit 9, either to contract or extend the unit as will be subsequently set forth.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited touse with any particular type of well pump, jacks, or power. In the example shown, the desired zone of contact of the plunger G with the working barrel E is indicated at 60 in Figure 1. The power J is shown as of that type including an eccentric 61 and slip ring 62, the pull line M being connected to the slip ring 62 by means of a clevis 63. It is to be understood, however, that any type of power may be used for reciprocating the pull line. The jack L translates the horizontal reciprocating movement of the pull line M into vertical reciprocating movement nec-'- essary for the operation of the sucker rods H in the well.

When assembling the unit 9 and associated parts in and with respect to the pull line, assuming that the average or mean temperature in the 10- cality is 60, the unit 9 would be interposed in the line M and the stems 33 and 34 are arranged so that the middle portions that are screw threaded, are embraced by the nuts 31 and 32. The pawls 40 are then adjusted so that they will not contact with their companion ratchet wheels 41 during reciprocation of the pull line, the paths of the ratchet wheels being indicated at 70 and 71 in Figures 6 and 7. However, if the temperature decreases, so that the sections 10 and 11 oi the pull line are contracted, the ratchet wheel n of means 14 will be engaged by its pawl 49, which will extend the device 9 as a result of motion transmitting means 42 operating the link 30 to feed the stems 33 and 34 away from each other. If there is a material increase in temperature beyond the mean temperature, then the sections 19 and 11 of the pull line will be elongated, permitting the ratchet wheel 41 of means 13 to be engaged by its pawl 40, and through motion transmitting means 42, the unit 9 will be operated to contract, and thus compensate for the elongation 2 of the pull line due to the increase in temperature. By adjusting the pawls 40 with respect to brackets 43 the mechanism or apparatus N may be utilized to automatically maintain the pump plunger G in substantially the same zone of contact with the working barrel E regardless of temperature changes at the surface.

It is to be understood that, in practicing the method, it is not essential that the apparatus disclosed as above be used, since the method may be practiced by apparatus or equipment already old in the art. The method may be performed by simple manipulation, such, for instance, stopping the power J and taking up some of the pull line M at any one of the clamps in the pull line, if the temperature has increased, or letting out some of the pull line if the temperature has decreased, or, without stopping the power J, this may be accomplished by suspending operation of one pump at a time by use of the well known throw-off post and hook, and then making the adjustment as above described. The method is most successfully performed, however, by machinery or apparatus of the character set forth in this specification and it is tobe understood that various changes in details of construction, proportion and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, when required, without sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a jack pumping system, the combination of a section of the pull line comprising a link provided with a nut at each end, one being screw threaded with a left hand thread and the other right hand thread, and correspondingly screw threaded stems in said nuts, operatively connected to pull line sections at each end of the link to transmit linear movement and whereby, said link acts as a turnbuckle, and means forrotating said link in opposite directions including a ratchet wheel at each end of said link and a pawl for each ratchet wheel, the pawls being stationary and in spaced relation along the path of movement of the pull line, and in the paths of movement of their companion ratchet wheels, so that they will contact with their companion ratchet wheels according to whether the line is extended or contracted by temperature changes along the pull line.

2. In a jack pumping system, the combination ,of a section ofipull linetcomprising a link provided with a nut at each end, one being screwed with a left hand thread and the other right hand thread, and correspondingly screw threaded stems in said nuts, operatively connected to other sections of the pull line to transmit linear movement and whereby said link acts as a turnbuckle, means for guiding said first mentioned section of the pull line in a straight path of movement, and means for rotating said link in opposite directions including a ratchet wheel at each end of said link and pawls fixed in spaced apart relation 'in the path of movement of their respective companion ratchet wheels so that they will be contacted by their companion ratchet wheels according to whether the line is extended or con- 1tiifiicted by temperature changes along the pull 3. In a jack pumping system, the combination of a section of the pull line comprising a link provided with a nut at each end, one being screwed with a left hand thread and the other right hand thread, and correspondingly screw threaded stems in said nuts, operatively connected to other sections of the line to transmit linear movement and whereby said link acts as a turnbuckle, a support guiding said first mentioned section of the pull line in straight path of movement, and means for rotating said link in opposite directions including a ratchet wheel at each end of said link and a pawl for each ratchet wheel, the pawls being in spaced apart relation in the path of movement of their companion ratchet wheels and adjustable in the line of movement of the link, so that they will contact with their companion ratchet wheels according to whether the line is extended or contracted by temperature changes along the pull line.

4. The combination in a reciprocatory pull line, of line adjusting means to compensate for expansion and contraction in the line, comprising a link having oppositely screw threaded nuts at its ends, a stem threaded into each nut for connection to portions of the pull line at opposite ends of the link, means for supporting'and guiding the link, and means for rotating the link in opposite directions including a .ratchet wheel at each end of the link, drive means between each ratchet wheel and the link, a pawl for each ratchet wheel, and means supporting the pawls in the path of movement of their companion ratchet wheels and independently adjustable in a direction in the line of movement of the pull line.

5. The combination in a reciprocatory pull line, of line adjusting means to compensate for expansion and contraction in the line, comprising a link having oppositely screw threaded nuts at its ends, a stem threaded into each nut, for connection to portions of the pull line at opposite ends of the link, a bevel gear integral with each end of the link, a hanger supporting each end of the link, supporting and guiding means for the hangers, a shaft joumaled in each hanger and each having a bevel gear to mesh with the bevel gears on the link, a ratchet wheel on each shaft, and a pawl for each ratchet wheel and supported in the path of movement of their companion ratchet wheels.

- THOMAS ELTON HINDMAN. 

